09/09/2025
“kissing bug” (Triatomine bug), which can transmit Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.
Here are the key points you should know:
• What they are: Kissing bugs are blood-sucking insects that tend to bite around the mouth or eyes while people sleep (hence the nickname).
• How infection happens: The bug’s bite itself isn’t usually dangerous, but when it defecates near the bite, the parasite can enter the body if the person scratches or rubs the area.
• Symptoms:
• Early signs: swelling at the bite site (often near the eye, called Romaña’s sign), fever, fatigue, body aches.
• Chronic stage: infection can be silent for years, but may later cause serious heart and digestive problems.
• Risk in the U.S.: Kissing bugs are found in southern parts of the U.S., but not every bug carries the parasite, and not every bite leads to infection. Most U.S. cases of Chagas disease are linked to travel to Latin America, where the disease is more common.
• Prevention:
• Seal cracks and gaps in walls and windows.
• Keep outdoor lights away from sleeping areas (they attract the bugs).
• Use screens and bed nets if in an area with high risk.
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